Wide Scope A philosophy blog that ranges over philosophy and other fun stuff.

Archive for the ‘metaphysics’ Category

Abusive/Teasing Labels in Philosophy

04.06.2010 · Posted in epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy

I was reading some of the literature on qualia recently, and I was struck by the use of the term qualia freak. Qualia Freak is a label for someone who endorses the view that phenomenal experiences cannot be individuated by what they represent. Qualia freaks believe that experiences must be individuated by some intrinsic feature ...

“Believe That” and “Believe In”

11.08.2009 · Posted in metaphysics, philosophy of language

I’m attracted to a traditional account of the semantics of belief reports which holds that the semantic content of a belief report of the form ‘S believes that P’ is a two-place relation that holds between a person and a proposition. I’m curious about other common phrases in English that (a) use the word ‘believe’, (b) ...

Taking the Mystery Out of Ways

I like Ways-Millianism. It’s a combo-theory about meaning and the metaphysics of belief. Here are two of the core theses. (M) The meaning of a proper name is its referent. (W) Belief is a mediated relation between a person and a proposition. People believe propositions in virtue of standing in relation to some third thing - call ...

Kevin Timpe - Truthmaking and Sourcehood

07.30.2009 · Posted in metaphysics

I just posted a new video over at Young Philosophers. It’s Kevin Timpe’s research talk - “Truthmaking and Sourcehood” (link to video) I’ll post Timpe’s introductory level talk soon. We also had Nick Treanor and Helen Frowe deliver talks as part of the series. I’ll be posting their videos soon. ...